Building a better trash can
No public furnishings are immune, but some fare better than others
Graffiti covers all public-facing surfaces, including trash receptacles that are supposed to help keep the public realm clean and attractive. Murals and artwork may discourage vandals, but they are no guarantee, as a receptacle at Northwest 21st and Everett streets illustrates. It has been hit so often that one side has had to be entirely covered with black paint, and still graffiti returns.
There is one type of trash receptacle that seems to work—the kind with narrow strips that leave no surface wider than about an inch on which to mark up. There is no room for bold messages or images. Most of the open-design receptacles are downtown.
They also have strong padlocks, which I have never seen to be tampered with. That contrasts with the “art boxes,” which have flimsy locks that can be easily jimmied, and frequently are, leaving trash strewn across the sidewalk.
It’s a shame that things have gotten so far out of hand, but trash receptacles that are up to the challenges of our times may be a wise investment.
Traveling in Ohio and Indiana this week, including one city bigger than Portland. Virtually no graffiti, no emptied out trash cans with contents strewn out everywhere, I've seen one (abandoned) tent (!!!), and no aggressive panhandlers. Streets are way cleaner overall. Makes me see how JVP and the JOHS have encouraged camping/ squatting in public spaces in Portland by their constant giveaways of tents and tarps to the addicts and others, drawn by the lack of serious law enforcement here and all of the other options to survive so easily. It does not have to be like this!